Major Sweep: Over Twelve Senior PTI Leaders Arrested for SOP Violations
Court Appearance Scheduled for Today; Salman Akram Raja Criticizes Arrest Procedures
Islamabad-Police have detained several Senior Leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for breaching standard operating procedures (SOPs) during a rally in the Sangjani area and failing to adhere to the event’s designated end time.
The arrests occurred late Monday night and included notable figures such as PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Sher Afzal Marwat, Shoaib Shaheen, Zain Qureshi, Sheikh Waqas Akram, and 12 other PTI members.
Marwat was apprehended while returning from a National Assembly session, and Shoaib Shaheen was arrested at his home. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan was taken into custody outside the Parliament House during a coordinated operation. Additionally, Marwat’s private security guard was detained for allegedly resisting the police. The arrests were executed at and around the Parliament House.
PTI Leaders Shoiab Shaheen Gohar, Sher Afzal Marwat Taken into Custody
Among those arrested were PTI MNAs Maulana Naseem Shah, Aamir Dogar, Owais, Ahmad Chattha, Syed Shah Ahad, and Yousuf Khan. Zubair Khan, MNA for South Waziristan, was also detained shortly after leaving the Parliament House.
Authorities had sealed off Islamabad’s Red Zone, sparking fears that more PTI leaders may be detained. Police officials stated that the arrests were linked to an FIR filed after the Sangjani rally. Arrests of more key figures, including Omar Ayub and Zartaj Gul, were expected.
Law enforcement officers cited a range of charges, including non-compliance with rally regulations, clashing with police personnel, and making anti-state speeches during the gathering.
In response, PTI senior leader Salman Akram Raja criticized the way the arrests were conducted, asserting that it undermined the sanctity of the Parliament. He emphasized that Barrister Gohar was not surrendered voluntarily but was instead apprehended.
He emphasized that the people of Pakistan would not forget this incident and that the PTI remains committed to democratic values.
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SCBA condemns arrests
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has strongly condemned the arrests of Barrister Gohar, Shoaib Shaheen, and Sher Afzal Marwat, who are also advocates of the Supreme Court and members of the SCBA. The association has demanded the immediate release of these individuals, deeming their arrests illegal, as a form of political revenge and a violation of freedom of expression.
“Arrests for participating in political activities are unjustified,” the association noted. It further urged the government to consider the constitutional values and avoid such measures. “If the lawyers are not released immediately, a nationwide protest will be called,” the SCBA warned.
In Rawalpindi, the police carried out a raid at the residence of PTI Punjab leader Raja Basharat at his Dhamial House. However, Basharat was not at home during the operation, and the authorities were unable to arrest him, according to a police spokesman.
Additionally, the police conducted a late-night raid on the home of PTI leader Shahryar Riaz, but he was not apprehended. The police questioned Riaz’s staff before departing without making any arrests.
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Speaker’s Approval
Sources from the National Assembly Speaker’s office have indicated that the arrests of the MNAs were executed following the proper procedures and with the approval of the Speaker. A copy of the FIR detailing the charges related to SOP violations at the Sangjani rally was also forwarded to the Speaker’s office.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq had reportedly prohibited any arrests from occurring within the Parliament premises. According to the sources, the police had informed the Speaker of the allegations against the arrested members, in accordance with the rules.
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